In a tragic development, the Japanese government announced on Saturday that two navy helicopters carrying eight crew members were believed to have crashed in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo during a night-time training exercise. This news came from Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara, who also mentioned that efforts were underway to locate the missing choppers and crew members.Minister Kihara disclosed that the two SH-60K choppers, belonging to the Maritime Self Defence Force (MSDF) and carrying four crew members each, lost contact late Saturday near Torishima island in the Pacific, approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) south of Tokyo.The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The officials are prioritising the rescue operation. The MSDF deployed eight warships and five aircraft for the search and rescue of the missing crew. They recovered fragments believed to be from one of the SH-60Ks, Kihara elaborated.Confirmation of CrashWe believe the helicopters have crashed, stated Minister Kihara, indicating the seriousness of the situation.The helicopters in question are twin-engine, multi-mission aircraft known as Seahawk, designed by Sikorsky. They were engaged in night-time anti-submarine training in the waters, according to Minister Kihara.One of the helicopters lost contact at 10:38 p.m. (1338 GMT) after sending an emergency signal. The second aircraft lost contact approximately 25 minutes later. Notably, one of the helicopters belonged to an airbase in Nagasaki, while the other was stationed at a base in Tokushima prefecture.The SH-60K aircraft is primarily deployed on destroyers for anti-submarine missions, highlighting the nature and scope of the training exercise.
